Field Fisher scores Durlacher as client after advising on VI float

Field Fisher Waterhouse has picked up its first instruction from new client Durlacher. The firm acted for Durlacher on VI Group's £2.65m fundraising on AIM.Last week, traditionally technology-focused broker Durlacher revealed that it was shifting its emphasis to corporate finance. At the height of the technology boom, Durlacher mainly instructed Manches and SJ Berwin. While Manches said it was still receiving instructions, an SJ Berwin source said that Durlacher had been “silent” for some time.Field Fisher partner Anthony Brockbank said: “Durlacher has changed completely. It did work almost entirely with dotcoms and now, in a different environment, it is looking to build its corporate banking side, which is what we can help it with.”Field Fisher, like Durlacher, capitalised on the technology boom, but has since become involved with small to mid-cap AIM-listed companies. The firm has advised on five AIM flotations in the past two months. It has acted on 20 AIM transactions in the past 12 months, as well as advising on four Official List fundraisings.Field Fisher won the work through Brockbank's existing relationship with a Durlacher broker, who he worked with when they were both in other jobs.